In a departure from protocol, the Russian leader hosted a second successive dinner for his Indian guests.
In the grand dining hall of the Kremlin, the banquet had some 50 guests from both the sides. The menu consisted of grain caviar, duck in red wine and other Russian delicacies.
But what took the cake was the song Mera Joota Hai Japani playing in the background. The orchestra also played some other Hindi tunes like Mud mud ke na dekh, zindagi ka safar.
In his banquet speech, Putin referred to the popularity of Indian cinema and music in Russia.
Vajpayee delivering a speech at the banquet.
Photo: PIB